State Senate Honors The Charitable Spirit Of Nascar Fans

The New York State Senate honored the spirit of NASCAR fans by joining in celebrating NASCAR Day 2006, the signature charitable event of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) Foundation, which supports a wide range of worthy causes such as: enriching the lives of chronically ill children; expanding literacy; encouraging bone marrow donation; and fighting cancer.

"As big as NASCAR gets, the hearts of its fans are even bigger," said Senator James L. Seward. "I am proud to join with racing fans everywhere in celebrating NASCAR Day 2006 and in supporting the NASCAR Foundation’s efforts to help those in need."

The senate passed a resolution initiated by the senatorwhose legislative district in the Southern Tier-Finger Lakes region includes Watkins Glen International, home of NASCAR’s Nextel Cup at the Glen race, calling for May 19, 2006 to be declared NASCAR Day in New York State.

"I’m proud to wave the green flag and start NASCAR Day 2006 in New York State. It’s an opportunity for us to draw the attention of NASCAR fans across New York to a worthwhile cause and another opportunity to express their spirit and sense of community. We’re extremely proud to welcome the NASCAR community to Watkins Glen in August, and we know that their enthusiasm, loyalty and spirit are unmatched," Seward added.

Since it was launched in 2004, NASCAR Day has grown into the largest annual charitable event of the NASCAR community. The cornerstone of the celebration is the distribution of collectible NASCAR Day lapel pins, which fans and other supporters can obtain in exchange for a $5 donation to the NASCAR foundation. In 2005, more than 240,000 fans and supporters bought NASCAR Day pins, raising $1.2 million.

"The entire NASCAR community wishes to thank the New York State Senate for recognizing NASCAR Day, our most important charitable drive," NASCAR President Mike Helton said. "These efforts are important to all of the charities supported by NASCAR, the drivers and the tracks," said Helton who is also vice xhairman of the NASCAR Foundation.

Craig Rust, president of Watkins Glen International, stated, "We appreciate the support that we continue to receive from the New York State Senate, and know they understand the impact of NASCAR to the region and on a state level. We are thrilled, not only about the resolution, but are looking forward to helping the NASCAR Foundation this Sunday, when we will open our doors to an exciting 2006 racing season in New York State."